Katrina gone but not forgotten

By Jeff Green

A Memorial University employee has issued her own personal challenge to all faculty and staff to help raise money for those affected by Hurricane Katrina in the United States.

Dr. Janet Krantz, an assistant professor at the University Counselling Centre, has strong ties to some of the areas still reeling in the aftermath of last month’s disaster. She completed her PhD at the University of Memphis in Tennessee. That state is now welcoming thousands of homeless residents from nearby cities including New Orleans, Louisiana - one of the hardest hit areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Dr. Krantz has donated $25 to both the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity and would like others to follow suit.

“I want the faculty and staff to meet the challenge of a donation of $25 to these groups,” she said. “This challenge is for all of my peers and to anybody who is willing to step up to the plate. These people in the U.S. need any help so desperately.”

University officials are now finalizing plans to collect funds on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross and have set up donation drop off areas for Memorial University faculty, staff or students who wish to make donations to meet Dr. Krantz’s challenge. On the St. John’s campus people can make receipted donations to the Canadian Red Cross at the following locations: Cashier’s Office (A-1023) and General Office (A-2022), Financial and Administrative Services, Arts and Administration Bldg; and University Bookstore (UC-2006), Student Affairs and Services, Smallwood Centre. At the Marine Institute people can make donations at the Cashier’s Office (C-2210). Meantime, donations can be made at the Resource Centre (AS-268) at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook.

Other campus units who wish to collect at their locations should contact Dr. Dale Foster of Alumni Affairs and Development who can provide further information and Canadian Red Cross receipt books.

The Office of Student Recruitment did its part, holding a fund-raising barbecue on Sept. 9 that raised almost $3,000 that was donated to the Red Cross.

Meanwhile, Memorial University President Axel Meisen says the university welcomes inquiries from students whose plans to attend university this fall were disrupted by the tragic consequences of Hurricane Katrina. The Association of American Universities has reported that up to 100,000 students have been displaced from 30 or more Louisiana and Mississippi universities and colleges, many of which have been closed indefinitely because of flood damage.

Inquiries should be directed to Memorial University’s assistant registrar - admissions manager, Maria Murray, at 709-737-3705 or by e-mail at mmurray@mun.ca.